[The assessment of changes of the plate growth in Blount disease by MRI]

The changes within growth plates around the knee in Blount disease have been analyzed with MRI in 4 patients with late onset tibia vara. Extensive changes were found in both tibial and femoral growth plate. General widening of the plate, invagination into metaphysis and high intensity irregularities of the shape were observed. Lateral aspect of both physes was involved to higher degree. Our study supports mechanical etiology of the late onset tibia vara. In our opinion long lasting distraction stress on the lateral aspect of the knee due to the varus deformity might be responsible for the changes observed in MRI.